AMD announced at Computex today that its next-generation notebook platform is now available and features not only new chipsets, but new graphics options and new processor availability. AMD says that the next-generation notebook platform -- code named Puma -- will be the foundation for the new AMD Business class, AMD GAME! and AMD LIVE! notebook solutions.

The notebook platform utilizes the new AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual-core mobile processor. The new processor has technology to make it more energy efficient including AMD Independent Dynamic Core technology, mobile-optimized memory controller and a new power-optimized HyperTransport 3.0.

The new mobile chipset also features integrated ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics and supports DirectX 10. Integrated graphics in a notebook usually means the inability to do anything requiring intense graphics like gaming. AMD says that its integrated HD 3200 graphics delivers up to three times the 3D performance of competitor’s products and features built-in ATI Avivo HD technology for smooth HD video playback.

ATI announced a new Mobility Radeon 3800 series as well offering the highest performance of any Mobile Radeon HD part. The Mobility Radeon 3800 supports PCI Express 2.0, DirectX 10.1, integrated HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort as well as multi-monitor support. The 3800 can support up to 4 displays natively.

The Mobility 3800 also works with ATI’s CrossFireX and Hybrid Graphics to provide more performance by running both the discrete and integrated graphics processors at the same time.

To be perfectly I'm very happy with the performance of my budget AMD laptop. I use a $600 HP that I upgraded to 2GB memory with Windows Vista Ult. 32b ed and the performance is comprable to my previous desktop (x2 3800+, 2GB ram, geforce 7800GT) outside of video performance of course.

I'm very confident that the new puma platform is going to make for one absolutly killer note book. Perhaps once Windows 7 comes out I might find my self upgrading to a Puma varient hopefully with multi-touch capability.

I know this is out of left field.. but has anyone tried using Windows server 2008 oppose to Vista? I have it installed on my laptop, and I followed the instructions on this site http://www.win2008workstation.com/wordpress/ and I cannot say how happy I am performance wise. There are reviews around the net stating 20% boost in performance, with none of the Vista extras that many deem unneeded. If this is any sign of what is to come with Windows 7, I think we are all in for a treat.